Pitbulls? Love 'em, hate 'em. Discuss.

[HalfInsane]

On the topic of dogs attacking without warning, it is often accidentally trained in to them to do so. Dogs think strictly in the now. If a dog begins to display aggressive/stand-offish behaviour and is always subsequently punished for it, they learn not todemonstrate they are feeling uncomfortable/aggressive. However, the dog still feels threatened, and may very well still attack. They don't rationalize "oh, they're yelling because my teeth are bared, because bared teeth means I'm going to attack" instead, they simply learn not to bare their teeth. The dog is still in a heightened state of aggression, you've only succeeded it teaching it not to warn you.

Because pits often have the sort of owners whom resort to hitting, kicking, and otherwise bullying (pardon the pun) the dog into behaving a certain way, these dogs are inadvertently taught to attack without warning.

Double that with abuse and neglect, and absolutely, you can end up with a dangerous dog.

 

[KatherineI]

On the topic of dogs attacking without warning, it is often accidentally trained in to them to do so. Dogs think strictly in the now. If a dog begins to display aggressive/stand-offish behaviour and is always subsequently punished for it, they learn not todemonstrate they are feeling uncomfortable/aggressive. However, the dog still feels threatened, and may very well still attack. They don't rationalize "oh, they're yelling because my teeth are bared, because bared teeth means I'm going to attack" instead, they simply learn not to bare their teeth. The dog is still in a heightened state of aggression, you've only succeeded it teaching it not to warn you.

Because pits often have the sort of owners whom resort to hitting, kicking, and otherwise bullying (pardon the pun) the dog into behaving a certain way, these dogs are inadvertently taught to attack without warning.

Double that with abuse and neglect, and absolutely, you can end up with a dangerous dog.

It is unfortunate that Pit's are the most likely to end up with owners as you describe, but they also aren't the only ones. Just reminding everyone of that.

Did you know that in the U.K., Pitbull's were called "Nanny Dogs" because of how good they are with kids? They were family dogs! Not a status symbol for being tough/aggressive. It's sad that they've gone in that direction. I really do agree with Tina from Villalobos in that they are the most misunderstood dog in the world.

Any breed of dog subjected to abuse, neglect and even that type of training, can end up being a dangerous dog.

 

[wenz2712]

I have very strong views on anyone keeping a Pitbull as a Pet!! I seriously do not think they should be kept as Pets... You read so many horror stories about these Dogs attacking for no reason!

A Friend of mine had her Pitbull from a Baby and it was the most loving Dog you could ever wish for... A friend of hers came round to visit with her 3 Year old Daughter... For some reason the Dog lunged at the Child and ripped her beautiful Face to pieces It took 3 people to get this Dog off the Little Girl by this time it was too late , as the damage to her Face was done :O

They are fighting Dogs, which is what they are bred for! It dosen't matter how well they are bought up , they all have the ability to turn at any time! which has happened, many, many times!!

I would urge anyone thinking of bringing one of these dogs into their home, to seriously reconsider!

 

[HalfInsane]

On the topic of dogs attacking without warning, it is often accidentally trained in to them to do so. Dogs think strictly in the now. If a dog begins to display aggressive/stand-offish behaviour and is always subsequently punished for it, they learn not todemonstrate they are feeling uncomfortable/aggressive. However, the dog still feels threatened, and may very well still attack. They don't rationalize "oh, they're yelling because my teeth are bared, because bared teeth means I'm going to attack" instead, they simply learn not to bare their teeth. The dog is still in a heightened state of aggression, you've only succeeded it teaching it not to warn you.

Because pits often have the sort of owners whom resort to hitting, kicking, and otherwise bullying (pardon the pun) the dog into behaving a certain way, these dogs are inadvertently taught to attack without warning.

Double that with abuse and neglect, and absolutely, you can end up with a dangerous dog.

It is unfortunate that Pit's are the most likely to end up with owners as you describe, but they also aren't the only ones. Just reminding everyone of that.

Did you know that in the U.K., Pitbull's were called "Nanny Dogs" because of how good they are with kids? They were family dogs! Not a status symbol for being tough/aggressive. It's sad that they've gone in that direction. I really do agree with Tina from Villalobos in that they are the most misunderstood dog in the world.

Any breed of dog subjected to abuse, neglect and even that type of training, can end up being a dangerous dog.

Oh, I absolutely agree. I'd actually meant to make that very point but seems I forgot. I haven't had my daily dose of caffeine yet.

 

[wenz2712]

I live in the Uk and I have never heard of a Pitbull being called a "Nanny Dog"
It is in fact, here in the UK that these Dogs have attacked many Children, for no reason whatsoever! and none of these Dogs were abused or neglected in any way!

 

[KatherineI]

I live in the Uk and I have never heard of a Pitbull being called a "Nanny Dog"
It is in fact, here in the UK that these Dogs have attacked many Children, for no reason whatsoever! and none of these Dogs were abused or neglected in any way!

I had several coworkers at a previous job each separately tell me this. Not in recent years have they been called that, but back 30-50 years ago. And I find it extremely improbable that the dogs that attack were never abused, mistreated, mistrained or neglected in some way. Mistraining is the likeliest culprit, not to mention we already covered that dogs rarely ever attack unprovoked.

And children are always the victims. I wonder why? Maybe because kids aren't being supervised properly. Maybe because kids are rambunctious, don't always listen very well and today, people don't hold themselves or their children accountable - its always the other person, the dog, the cat, that's to blame. "My angel would never do anything to warrant that!" I'm a mom and I hold my child accountable, as well as myself, for her behavior. There's a reason she's not allowed to touch strange dogs unless I'm there to supervise her, the owner gives permission and the dogs signs are favorable. No matter the breed.

 

[KatherineI]

Not to mention that small breed dogs account for the majority of dog bites in the US. But you don't hear of them on the news, you rarely hear of them being labeled vicious or being put down for biting because their bites don't always do significant damage. The damage may not be as significant, but it doesn't change the fact that a small breed is more likely to be vicious and bite. I've met more small breed dogs, chihuahuas for example, that are nasty than I ever have a large breed.

 

[wenz2712]

I live in the Uk and I have never heard of a Pitbull being called a "Nanny Dog"
It is in fact, here in the UK that these Dogs have attacked many Children, for no reason whatsoever! and none of these Dogs were abused or neglected in any way!

I had several coworkers at a previous job each separately tell me this. Not in recent years have they been called that, but back 30-50 years ago. And I find it extremely improbable that the dogs that attack were never abused, mistreated, mistrained or neglected in some way. Mistraining is the likeliest culprit, not to mention we already covered that dogs rarely ever attack unprovoked.

It is 100 percent fact that these Dogs were not, mistreated or neglected!! They attacked for no reason! These Dogs were originally bred for Fighting and unfortunately it is there natural instinct to suddenly attack.. It is built into them!

 

[KatherineI]

I live in the Uk and I have never heard of a Pitbull being called a "Nanny Dog"
It is in fact, here in the UK that these Dogs have attacked many Children, for no reason whatsoever! and none of these Dogs were abused or neglected in any way!

I had several coworkers at a previous job each separately tell me this. Not in recent years have they been called that, but back 30-50 years ago. And I find it extremely improbable that the dogs that attack were never abused, mistreated, mistrained or neglected in some way. Mistraining is the likeliest culprit, not to mention we already covered that dogs rarely ever attack unprovoked.

It is 100 percent fact that these Dogs were not, mistreated or neglected!! They attacked for no reason! These Dogs were originally bred for Fighting and unfortunately it is there natural instinct to suddenly attack.. It is built into them!

Give me proof! You can't say that any of those dogs were never in their life mistreated or mistrained. You can't tell me that you know every single dog personally that has attacked anyone. You can not say with 100% certainty that they were perfectly cared for. And as has already been pointed out, sometimes you can train a dog for the wrong thing (mistrained) and you may not even realize it. There is no way you can say that they were 100% anything. And I say BS on "it's their natural instinct to attack, it's bred into them" because the same can be said about half a dozen other breeds that no one is calling to ban.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, in life is 100%. My Boston Terrier, who is a completely docile, submissive dog, could decide in her old age that she doesn't tolerate children anymore and snap at one of them.

 

[wenz2712]

I am not prepared to get into an argument with you over this Katherine!!
These particular cases have in fact been proved over here! This is my own personal opinion regarding this particular breed of Dog!! We are all entitled to our opinion!! I am respecting your strong opinion on this matter, so therfore you should also respect mine!

I am bailing out of this particular thread !

 

[mcw009]

Not to mention that small breed dogs account for the majority of dog bites in the US. But you don't hear of them on the news, you rarely hear of them being labeled vicious or being put down for biting because their bites don't always do significant damage. The damage may not be as significant, but it doesn't change the fact that a small breed is more likely to be vicious and bite. I've met more small breed dogs, chihuahuas for example, that are nasty than I ever have a large breed.

But that's an important point in this debate- the fact that a pit can do so much more damage if they turn. I dunno about you, but I'd much rather face down an extremely aggressive chihuahua than a mildly aggressive pitbull.
I mean, where I used to live I had one neighbor with 4 miserable daschunds who who would chase me and bite at my feet when I ran by. My main concern was not kicking them in the face when they tried. When my other neighbor's pit-mix came down the yard towards me, I was preparing myself to kill that animal before it mauled me, if it came to that.

 

[Sadie]

so being all dogs can bite maybe we should ban all dogs over 20 pounds???
we had a husky in pittsburgh that killed a 3 day old baby. Ate its face off because the baby was laying on the floor. BAN THE HUSKYS!!!!!
Does anyone not remember in the 70s it was dobermans, 80s the gsd caused all the damage and the 90s was the rotty? where where the pits in the 70s? the 80s? they were around i assure you! just like rottys and dobermans are just as available today as they were years ago.

im done here, the ignorant will always be so and the ones trying to speak up for the breed are preaching to the choir.

 

[Tina..]

Hi, i am a bull lover ... i have 2 english bull terriers & they are such characters. Gets on with everything & everyone, even their 5 cats they live with. But really there is no bad dog, its down to bad owners !!
A lot of people read the press, and dont give a bull breed a chance, but really they are wonderful loving dogs... Pits are banned in the uk
And i am definatly for the END BSL !!

 

[Lesa1211]

Sadie I know exactly what story your talking about with the husky. I say ban some owners. That husky was starving and so were the 4 other dogs that were in that filthy house. It wasnt the dogs fault. Like I said ban the owners. THEY make the dogs mean! Im with you, this "debate" is pointless!

 

[mcw009]

so being all dogs can bite maybe we should ban all dogs over 20 pounds???
we had a husky in pittsburgh that killed a 3 day old baby. Ate its face off because the baby was laying on the floor. BAN THE HUSKYS!!!!!
Does anyone not remember in the 70s it was dobermans, 80s the gsd caused all the damage and the 90s was the rotty? where where the pits in the 70s? the 80s? they were around i assure you! just like rottys and dobermans are just as available today as they were years ago.

im done here, the ignorant will always be so and the ones trying to speak up for the breed are preaching to the choir.

You're on a discussion forum focused on Parrots: chill the eff out.
Or, you can have a mild aneurysm because someone on teh intertubes disagrees with you. Your choice.

A lot of dogs can be dangerous, but the pit is a breed that is bred to be exceptionally strong, making it potentially more dangerous than many others. Frankly with all the people who prefer the pitbull over other dogs for its tough reputation phasing out the breed would probably be humane anyway. It would be that many fewer dogs being abused to make them mean, that many fewer dogs being put to sleep because their past makes them effectively unadoptable (hey, guess what happened to those 2 animals I mentioned in my first post here?). If not, access to the breed should be restricted.

 

[Mozzie]

I love all animals, but I have to say I am afraid of pit bulls. Last summer my hubby and I were taking a walk with our 15 yr old chihuahua, and a pit bull came chasing after us to attack our chihuahua. I quickly picked her up, and my husband pushed us out of the way and got in front of us and the pit bull attacked him. It was a horrible experience. My husband ended up in the emergency room and has scars for life. The pit bull wanted to kill our little chihuahua and would of if not for my husband. So needless to say I am still scared to death of pit bulls. I am sure not all are like this, but it was a pretty scary experience!

 

[Tina..]

Any dog can go to attack ? My otherhalf got bitten of a collie, as it went to attack our 1st ever english bull, our bully did not fight back.
Sorry for anyone who had had a bad experience with a bull breed,
But remember that a human has prob been the cause of the behaviour in the first place ??

 

[Sadie]

Sadie I know exactly what story your talking about with the husky. I say ban some owners. That husky was starving and so were the 4 other dogs that were in that filthy house. It wasnt the dogs fault. Like I said ban the owners. THEY make the dogs mean! Im with you, this "debate" is pointless!

Right it is the owners fault, i completely agree with you and i was thrilled to hear the dog would be safe.
Unfortunately though if it were a pit bull that attacked the baby the DOG would be to blame and it would have been destroyed no questions asked. Only because this dog was a husky it had a huge support group fighting for it and people realized that it was the people to blame. a dog is a dog, and when someone mistreats it there are unfortunate outcomes. What it boils down to is they are still animals and need to be treated as such. In the case of the husky i can assure you he was not properly introduced to the baby. its pack mentality kicked in and it was an outsider (prey) and not a member.

off to go have my aneurysm now! Bye

 

[HalfInsane]

I confess I seem to have created a bit of a monster here, oops.

I myself have actually been bitten by two dogs. A toy poodle, and a golden retriever. The poodle was my aunts, and it HATED kids. I was 6 at the time. It latched on to my nose. She never did anything, training or otherwise (wouldn't even put thee dog in a seperate room because he'd scratch the door!) to prevent such things. The poodle saw kids as a threat, never had a reason not to, and I was in his space.

The golden was being boarded at a vet clinic I volunteered at. He was very aggressive. I needed to get him out of his kennel to clean it. I didn't know the dog well at the time. He was just standing there, and I admittedly assumed that, because of his breed and him likely simply acting 'off' because he was stuck in the kennel at the vets, he was just moping and was harmless.

Next thing I know, he lunges at me. I was still close to the door so I managed to hide mostly behind it, but he still got my hand. And he was a big dog, 80 pounds. He could have done serious damage.

I dont assume all golden retrieves and poodles are aggressive, nor any dog. Any dog can be dangerous, any dog can be friendly. It is unwise and unfair to assume one or the other based on breed.

 

[KatherineI]

Any dog can be dangerous, any dog can be friendly. It is unwise and unfair to assume one or the other based on breed.

That has been my point this entire time.